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Islanders first round pick - Griffin Reinhart

All week leading up to the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, we’ll be profiling top prospects who may hear their names called Friday in the first round. Nothing too in-depth. Just enough so you know who they are and what they’re about.

Griffin Reinhart (D)

Height: 6’4 Weight: 207 Shoots: Left

Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

Country: Canada

NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 10 among North American skaters

What kind of player is he?

Another draftee with strong hockey bloodlines — father Paul played with Vancouver and Calgary, older brother Max was drafted by the Flames in 2010 — Reinhart’s often described as a two-way blueliner praised for his balance of offensive and defensive attributes.

Case in point: Scouts like his puck-moving skills and he’s clearly got an offensive flair, having led all Oil Kings defensemen in goals last year (12). But Reinhart’s also lauded for his frame — at 6’4 and over 200 pounds, he’s got NHL-calibre size — defensive awareness, and high hockey IQ.

Of note, Reinhart had 21 interviews at the recent NHL scouting combine and received follow-ups from Edmonton, Dallas, Buffalo, Montreal and Columbus.

Quotable:

“Very few 6-4 blueliners can skate and handle the puck like Reinhart, and those attributes alone will intrigue lots of scouts. Has a hard point shot that often finds its mark, good passing skills.

“Has been compared by some scouts to [Boston Bruins prospect] Dougie Hamilton. Has the size, skill and skating ability to be a top two NHL defenceman.” — Grant McCagg, TSN.

I was surprised by this pick I was certain that they'd go after a forward like Forsberg with the fourth pick. It's a good pick though hopefully he develops into a stud cause picturing a blue line with Mayfield and Reinhart is drool inducing, would be like a brick wall.

Draft party was ok. Lines for everything, like usual, were ridiculously long so we just smuggled a couple beers in and sat up top and watched the draft show.

6'4" already around 205 and only going to get bigger and stronger.. you look at the guys who are locks to make the team at d: streit hamonic macdonald and Visnovky, i think that if de haan is healthy he takes the next spot and than that leaves an interesting battle for the final spot